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Wintercraft #2
Blackwatch: A Young Adult Dystopian Fantasy where a Hunted Necromancer and Immortal Villain Unite Against War
Jenna Burtenshaw continues her dark fantasy trilogy The Secrets of Wintercraft with YA dystopian novel Blackwatch. In Wintercraft, fifteen-year-old Kate Winters learned she was one of the Skilled, a rare person who can bring the dead to life. Even among that rare group, Kate is special. She alone can understand the secrets of an ancient book of knowledge. In the sequel, Blackwatch, Kate is on the run from the Skilled, who have accused her of murder. And she is being hunted by an elite unit of assassins fighting in the war against Albion, Kate’s home. When a potent magic threatens the veil between life and death, fate reunites Kate with enigmatic villain Silas Dane, a man who cannot be killed. Only they can save Albion.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2011
29 people are currently reading
1223 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
March 22, 2013
I really like this series. The magic is interesting, and well developed. My favorite part has to be the fact that there is no love triangle. Sure much of the story focuses on Edgar, and Kate running for their lives together, but that is what they are actually doing running for their lives not stopping for make out time, or heartfelt confessions. It's refreshing to read a ya that isn't all about the love story.
December 31, 2015
I have not read the first book in this series, Wintercraft. This one works on its own, but my lack of background about the characters and previous events was a problem at times.
I’ll start with what I liked but have a feeling I’ll go into more detail about what did not work for me. Sorry about that, but that’s the direction the muse is pulling.
I liked that the world has a porous border between the living and the dead, that some characters had lost their souls, that one of the main characters was kind of a witch, that one character had good reason to want to lose his soul, that there was a big culminating knockout type ending, and that Burtenshaw’s writing is often vivid, especially with immediate sensory details and emotion.
But, time to be a putz (though I will hide spoilers):
I had a few issues with the way the book was written. I have not read Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books and for Those Who Want to Write Them, but I did read this book more critically than many readers probably will or would, so understand that many of my criticisms may not be issues for you:
(1) The telling sometimes undermined the story’s power, such as when characters talked to themselves so others listening in could “learn” something crucial, or when groups of characters talked too much, including villains who don’t know the meaning of “loose lips sink ships”. They overheard way too much in the scene when they were in the Shadowmarket.
(2) The structure also seemed to undermine the story’s power. One main character had no overarching goal at all and just reacted to what the bad guys did. The other main character had a goal and spent hundreds of pages avoiding people who did not exactly stand in his way...
(3) I was paying attention and rereading and thinking, but I didn’t get some important plot twists, such as
(4) Silas was such an ass toward Bandermain, like when Dalliah tells him to pick Bandermain up and he just flatly refuses. That was not cool. Their "we’re enemies" animosity went so far I actually questioned the theme/message, especially because of the up-close, personal moments they shared. Bandermain gave one interesting speech in support of Silas, it’s true, but it just muddled the message because usually they were both too committed to being boneheads.
Finally, I had too many issues with the writing. (5) At times, I had trouble visualizing what was going on. This was usually not a problem with a whole passage, just a sentence, such as “Edgar was still not moving, so she picked up a stone and lobbed it into the blankets.” Sounds reasonable except Edgar is in a cart, hiding under the blankets, and she jumped out of another one and was hiding on the side of the road and I just could not picture how she could possibly see him and him her without anyone else seeing them while she’s at one level and stationary and he’s at another, moving. (6) There were switches in point of view that took place without warning and were jarring, such as at the end of Chapter 1. (7) Character motivation was murky during some scenes and for the entire book too, such as Edgar’s, though maybe that is something that was explained in the first book.
There's more writing vagaries that got to me, but I'm not interested in going on and on, especially because I may read the first book someday so it wasn't the end of the world. However, I came across things I wanted to edit too. (8) They were not mind-numbingly frequent, but it happened, such as “What does she have that a Walker who has lived for five centuries does not?”, “Silas opened his eyes to the sound of the door opening as Dalliah walked into the room.” and "Silas got slowly to his feet, his body recovering slowly as it came back under his control."
I’ll start with what I liked but have a feeling I’ll go into more detail about what did not work for me. Sorry about that, but that’s the direction the muse is pulling.
I liked that the world has a porous border between the living and the dead, that some characters had lost their souls, that one of the main characters was kind of a witch, that one character had good reason to want to lose his soul, that there was a big culminating knockout type ending, and that Burtenshaw’s writing is often vivid, especially with immediate sensory details and emotion.
But, time to be a putz (though I will hide spoilers):
I had a few issues with the way the book was written. I have not read Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books and for Those Who Want to Write Them, but I did read this book more critically than many readers probably will or would, so understand that many of my criticisms may not be issues for you:
(1) The telling sometimes undermined the story’s power, such as when characters talked to themselves so others listening in could “learn” something crucial, or when groups of characters talked too much, including villains who don’t know the meaning of “loose lips sink ships”. They overheard way too much in the scene when they were in the Shadowmarket.
(2) The structure also seemed to undermine the story’s power. One main character had no overarching goal at all and just reacted to what the bad guys did. The other main character had a goal and spent hundreds of pages avoiding people who did not exactly stand in his way...
(3) I was paying attention and rereading and thinking, but I didn’t get some important plot twists, such as
(4) Silas was such an ass toward Bandermain, like when Dalliah tells him to pick Bandermain up and he just flatly refuses. That was not cool. Their "we’re enemies" animosity went so far I actually questioned the theme/message, especially because of the up-close, personal moments they shared. Bandermain gave one interesting speech in support of Silas, it’s true, but it just muddled the message because usually they were both too committed to being boneheads.
Finally, I had too many issues with the writing. (5) At times, I had trouble visualizing what was going on. This was usually not a problem with a whole passage, just a sentence, such as “Edgar was still not moving, so she picked up a stone and lobbed it into the blankets.” Sounds reasonable except Edgar is in a cart, hiding under the blankets, and she jumped out of another one and was hiding on the side of the road and I just could not picture how she could possibly see him and him her without anyone else seeing them while she’s at one level and stationary and he’s at another, moving. (6) There were switches in point of view that took place without warning and were jarring, such as at the end of Chapter 1. (7) Character motivation was murky during some scenes and for the entire book too, such as Edgar’s, though maybe that is something that was explained in the first book.
There's more writing vagaries that got to me, but I'm not interested in going on and on, especially because I may read the first book someday so it wasn't the end of the world. However, I came across things I wanted to edit too. (8) They were not mind-numbingly frequent, but it happened, such as “What does she have that a Walker who has lived for five centuries does not?”, “Silas opened his eyes to the sound of the door opening as Dalliah walked into the room.” and "Silas got slowly to his feet, his body recovering slowly as it came back under his control."
February 13, 2012
And the fanart drawings commence! It is a solid sequel even though there are some aspects of the book that feel like filler .Silas is very awesome and i like him even more in this sequel. He just seems so cool even though hes a cold blooded soldier..hmm maybe im just a sucker for these types.This is totally how i picture him except with short hair complete with crow hehe...
image:
Anyways, heres the break down on the characters:
Kate: her role is so much more passive in this sequel to me for some reason. I don't dislike her and she has not done anything to annoy me like most heroines but i feel like there's a spark/fire missing in her character to really make me love her.
Edgar: Hes a really nice guy. Hes willing to risk his life and all that he has known in order to protect the girl. His loyalty is very touching and even though he is not an awesome badass like Silas, his spunk and determination to protect Kate is so sweet. Awww Edgar i think i like you!
Silas: HAHAH I LOVE HIM, ok for reals though its cause im a sucker for his type- cool,cold and badass soldier type that seems unfeeling on the outside but is protective of the girl (somewhat deep down) inside.
I dont know if there will be romance in the later novels even though i can see myself shipping the characters in a love triangle already. I dont mind though and i feel that the story moves along very interestingly.
Other thoughts:
-There was not enough Silas and Kate interaction since they dont really interact late into the book.
-i dont know what to make of the new "bad guy"
image:
Anyways, heres the break down on the characters:
Kate: her role is so much more passive in this sequel to me for some reason. I don't dislike her and she has not done anything to annoy me like most heroines but i feel like there's a spark/fire missing in her character to really make me love her.
Edgar: Hes a really nice guy. Hes willing to risk his life and all that he has known in order to protect the girl. His loyalty is very touching and even though he is not an awesome badass like Silas, his spunk and determination to protect Kate is so sweet. Awww Edgar i think i like you!
Silas: HAHAH I LOVE HIM, ok for reals though its cause im a sucker for his type- cool,cold and badass soldier type that seems unfeeling on the outside but is protective of the girl (somewhat deep down) inside.
I dont know if there will be romance in the later novels even though i can see myself shipping the characters in a love triangle already. I dont mind though and i feel that the story moves along very interestingly.
Other thoughts:
-There was not enough Silas and Kate interaction since they dont really interact late into the book.
-i dont know what to make of the new "bad guy"
August 31, 2020
This was a great continuation. But now I need the next book!
December 7, 2017
While this book suffers from the mid-trilogy slump, I do think that there are certain aspects of it which improves on the first book - namely the writing. There weren't nearly as many info-dumps and expository chunks as there were in the first book. Not that there weren't a few, and I'd still like to get info without quite so much telling, but it was an improvement.
On the other hand, it didn't seem like a lot actually happened. The whole book follow both Kate/Edgar and Silas as they are trying to void capture, and get captured, and escape, and get captured, and escape, and so on and so forth. While captured, there's some exposition. Oh, and there are some nifty fights and things, too.
That said - the story that's being set-up in the next, and final, book really has be interested. I'm officially hooked into this world and these characters, and am really looking forward to the big climax and to see how everything comes out. (It doesn't help that they're well-paced reads, so even when not a lot was happening it never felt all that slow.)
Here's hoping for a great conclusion.
***
ETA: There was one world-building issue which I wanted to comment on, which actually came up in another book I was reading recently - the issue of daylight.
There are people in this world who live entirely, or at least mostly, underground. This would be very unhealthy for people, both physically and mentally. Sunlight - actual sunlight, not artificial light or even firelight - is necessary for people to live properly.
There's some grumbling about the class segregation which forces people to live in the City Underneath, but there's never any real discussion of the healthy issues.
It didn't ruin the story for me, or anything, but it did kinda bug me a bit.
(And don't anyone said "it's not our world so it could be different", because these people are clearly meant to be humans, not aliens, and that would just be a cop-out, imo.)
3.5 on Subsequent reading
On the other hand, it didn't seem like a lot actually happened. The whole book follow both Kate/Edgar and Silas as they are trying to void capture, and get captured, and escape, and get captured, and escape, and so on and so forth. While captured, there's some exposition. Oh, and there are some nifty fights and things, too.
That said - the story that's being set-up in the next, and final, book really has be interested. I'm officially hooked into this world and these characters, and am really looking forward to the big climax and to see how everything comes out. (It doesn't help that they're well-paced reads, so even when not a lot was happening it never felt all that slow.)
Here's hoping for a great conclusion.
***
ETA: There was one world-building issue which I wanted to comment on, which actually came up in another book I was reading recently - the issue of daylight.
There are people in this world who live entirely, or at least mostly, underground. This would be very unhealthy for people, both physically and mentally. Sunlight - actual sunlight, not artificial light or even firelight - is necessary for people to live properly.
There's some grumbling about the class segregation which forces people to live in the City Underneath, but there's never any real discussion of the healthy issues.
It didn't ruin the story for me, or anything, but it did kinda bug me a bit.
(And don't anyone said "it's not our world so it could be different", because these people are clearly meant to be humans, not aliens, and that would just be a cop-out, imo.)
3.5 on Subsequent reading
December 23, 2015
I liked it a lot more than the first! Kate was once again not as interesting of a narrator as Silas. The story itself started of enticing but nothing seemed to move onward as the book went along, which is when it became more of a drag to read . Edgar was once again just there and added nothing, Delilah seemed to be a menacing character but once again, she too was a letdown by the end of the book.
April 14, 2011
Jenna Burtenshaw has a very dark mind! And I for one, LOVE IT!
This is the second book in the Wintercraft trilogy and I found that it was a much darker fantasy than the first one. Jenna Burtenshaw is excellent at creating a Gothic style world that slowly envelops you until you cannot escape. From the first pages, you are handcuffed and instantly engulfed with a fear of foreboding.
The Skilled have captured Kate and imprisoned her. They fear the power she now has at her fingertips. She is stronger than any other Walker who has held the Wintercraft book before her, she is also volatile as she is unable to cope with the power sweeping through her. Whilst the Skilled decide upon Kate's future, others are keen to find her. Blackwatch, a sinister and elite force who fear nothing, will not stop until they have brought Kate to Dalliah Grey, a rather well known character from the past who has constantly defied death for two centuries.
The author has successfully brought back the feisty Kate, the dark, brooding, dangerous Silas and the sarcastic, slightly annoying Edward from the first book. Along with these familiar faces, there are two new characters. Dalliah Grey, a quietly determined woman who gives off an air of benevolence and Banderman, the leader of the Blackwatch, who seems to be constantly defying death; a malignant growth that needs to be surgically removed. Kate worried me as a character, as I felt she on the verge of following a macabre pathway; she is now so unpredictable with the power she holds inside her. Silas is still one of my most favourite characters. As unpleasant and cold as he tries to appear, there is a heart hidden deeply within and occasionally he has to give in to it. He suffers physically and emotionally in this book, which shows a more humane side to his character. Thankfully neither Dalliah or Banderman appear as openly posionous as Daru did in the first book, yet looks can be deceiving and I think Dalliah is yet to reach her full potential of evilness.
Yet again, Jenna Burtenshaw breathes originality in to the fantasy genre. The veil and the spirit wheels are unique to her writing style. Within this book, we are given a deeper understanding about how they came to be, their origins were a lot darker than I would have ever expected.
What I love about the Wintercraft books is the author's use of descriptive language. I find myself getting lost in the world she has built as her descriptions come to life. I find her use of imagery quite outstanding. Within this book, we discover the underground caverns that appear endless, a whole world beneath your feet, ready to be explored. Although the darkness of the underground setting does gives off a claustrophobic feel to the reader. I felt Kate's immense relief on reaching the surface and seeing the stars light up the evening sky.
Within the actual writing, there is never a trace of a clunky phrase or unsuitable word, the prose just continues to flow beautifully. This storyline wasn't as intense as the first book, allowing me to breathe easier this time. Some of the spoken passages by the characters were brilliantly written and eloquently said.
I found myself reading this book in two sittings,as once I had reacquainted myself with Kate and Silas, I didn't want to leave their company. I think if I had to choose between the two books so far in the series, I would have to say that Blackwatch is my favourite, but it is a difficult choice to make as I have enjoyed them both.
This book ends on a cliffhanger, yet the story within the book is wrapped up leaving only the last chapter with loose ends. I can't wait for the final part of the trilogy in order to discover how it all will end.From reading the last pages of this book I can only imagine an apocalyptic finale to the series,
This is a fantasy series I would highly recommend, especially if you are new to this genre. Each book is just under three hundred books and quick to lose yourself in.
This is the second book in the Wintercraft trilogy and I found that it was a much darker fantasy than the first one. Jenna Burtenshaw is excellent at creating a Gothic style world that slowly envelops you until you cannot escape. From the first pages, you are handcuffed and instantly engulfed with a fear of foreboding.
The Skilled have captured Kate and imprisoned her. They fear the power she now has at her fingertips. She is stronger than any other Walker who has held the Wintercraft book before her, she is also volatile as she is unable to cope with the power sweeping through her. Whilst the Skilled decide upon Kate's future, others are keen to find her. Blackwatch, a sinister and elite force who fear nothing, will not stop until they have brought Kate to Dalliah Grey, a rather well known character from the past who has constantly defied death for two centuries.
The author has successfully brought back the feisty Kate, the dark, brooding, dangerous Silas and the sarcastic, slightly annoying Edward from the first book. Along with these familiar faces, there are two new characters. Dalliah Grey, a quietly determined woman who gives off an air of benevolence and Banderman, the leader of the Blackwatch, who seems to be constantly defying death; a malignant growth that needs to be surgically removed. Kate worried me as a character, as I felt she on the verge of following a macabre pathway; she is now so unpredictable with the power she holds inside her. Silas is still one of my most favourite characters. As unpleasant and cold as he tries to appear, there is a heart hidden deeply within and occasionally he has to give in to it. He suffers physically and emotionally in this book, which shows a more humane side to his character. Thankfully neither Dalliah or Banderman appear as openly posionous as Daru did in the first book, yet looks can be deceiving and I think Dalliah is yet to reach her full potential of evilness.
Yet again, Jenna Burtenshaw breathes originality in to the fantasy genre. The veil and the spirit wheels are unique to her writing style. Within this book, we are given a deeper understanding about how they came to be, their origins were a lot darker than I would have ever expected.
What I love about the Wintercraft books is the author's use of descriptive language. I find myself getting lost in the world she has built as her descriptions come to life. I find her use of imagery quite outstanding. Within this book, we discover the underground caverns that appear endless, a whole world beneath your feet, ready to be explored. Although the darkness of the underground setting does gives off a claustrophobic feel to the reader. I felt Kate's immense relief on reaching the surface and seeing the stars light up the evening sky.
Within the actual writing, there is never a trace of a clunky phrase or unsuitable word, the prose just continues to flow beautifully. This storyline wasn't as intense as the first book, allowing me to breathe easier this time. Some of the spoken passages by the characters were brilliantly written and eloquently said.
I found myself reading this book in two sittings,as once I had reacquainted myself with Kate and Silas, I didn't want to leave their company. I think if I had to choose between the two books so far in the series, I would have to say that Blackwatch is my favourite, but it is a difficult choice to make as I have enjoyed them both.
This book ends on a cliffhanger, yet the story within the book is wrapped up leaving only the last chapter with loose ends. I can't wait for the final part of the trilogy in order to discover how it all will end.From reading the last pages of this book I can only imagine an apocalyptic finale to the series,
This is a fantasy series I would highly recommend, especially if you are new to this genre. Each book is just under three hundred books and quick to lose yourself in.
dnf
June 22, 2013Tried the first couple chapters and I'm finding that I still don't care. Though I think her writing and world building are solid, Burtenshaw's characters don't come alive for me at all.
May 23, 2011
I am a huge fan of Jenna Burtenshaw's debut novel, 'Wintercraft' which was published last year. It absolutely blew me away with its brilliance so I was really eager and very excited to receive a proof copy of the sequel from the wonderful publisher Headline.
The story picks up immediately after the events of 'Wintercraft'. Kate has been imprisoned by the Skilled who believe that she is a huge danger to the world. She is a Walker, and her spirit is able to move between the worlds of the living and the dead. The Skilled fear this power as Kate is untrained and her very presence can weaken the veil between the two worlds, blurring the boundaries between life and death. Kate is also being hunted by the Blackwatch, who are part of the Continental Army and will stop at nothing to get their hands on Kate. Silas Dane, a significant character from the first book, also makes a return and he too is being held at the mercy of the Blackwatch, whose motives are uncovered as the story progresses.
Kate is a real heroine. She's so brave and has to face such adversity but she never gives up and although she has a difficult path to follow is always prepared to do what's right, even when it might not necessarily be the easy choice. I'm a huge Silas Dane fan and I thought that he was really well developed in this installment. He's often difficult to read as he's quite a complex and mysterious character and you never quite known whether he's good or bad but I think that's what makes him so interesting. I look forward to seeing more of his interactions with Kate and finding out how their relationship will progress. Plus, I love his ever faithful crow - I think we should all have one!
I have to say that Jenna Burtenshaw has done it again! She's created an incredible imaginary world, in Albion and crafted wonderfully three-dimensional characters who come to life on the page. The story flows beautifully and the plot, as in her previous book, is interesting, unpredictable and gripping. I really think that this series could be turned into a film franchise, because everything is described in such vivid detail and I'd love to see these characters up on the big screen. The series so far reminds me a little bit of Narnia crossed with Philip Pullman's Dark Materials books. It's absolutely enchanting and would appeal to those who are fantasy fans, as well as those who are new to the genre.
Jenna Burtenshaw can't write the next installment of this fabulous series quick enough for me, as I'm eager to read more about Kate and Silas and their adventures. 'Blackwatch' was a real page-turner and compulsive reading. Make sure you clear your schedule before you pick it up because once you've started, you won't want to stop.
The story picks up immediately after the events of 'Wintercraft'. Kate has been imprisoned by the Skilled who believe that she is a huge danger to the world. She is a Walker, and her spirit is able to move between the worlds of the living and the dead. The Skilled fear this power as Kate is untrained and her very presence can weaken the veil between the two worlds, blurring the boundaries between life and death. Kate is also being hunted by the Blackwatch, who are part of the Continental Army and will stop at nothing to get their hands on Kate. Silas Dane, a significant character from the first book, also makes a return and he too is being held at the mercy of the Blackwatch, whose motives are uncovered as the story progresses.
Kate is a real heroine. She's so brave and has to face such adversity but she never gives up and although she has a difficult path to follow is always prepared to do what's right, even when it might not necessarily be the easy choice. I'm a huge Silas Dane fan and I thought that he was really well developed in this installment. He's often difficult to read as he's quite a complex and mysterious character and you never quite known whether he's good or bad but I think that's what makes him so interesting. I look forward to seeing more of his interactions with Kate and finding out how their relationship will progress. Plus, I love his ever faithful crow - I think we should all have one!
I have to say that Jenna Burtenshaw has done it again! She's created an incredible imaginary world, in Albion and crafted wonderfully three-dimensional characters who come to life on the page. The story flows beautifully and the plot, as in her previous book, is interesting, unpredictable and gripping. I really think that this series could be turned into a film franchise, because everything is described in such vivid detail and I'd love to see these characters up on the big screen. The series so far reminds me a little bit of Narnia crossed with Philip Pullman's Dark Materials books. It's absolutely enchanting and would appeal to those who are fantasy fans, as well as those who are new to the genre.
Jenna Burtenshaw can't write the next installment of this fabulous series quick enough for me, as I'm eager to read more about Kate and Silas and their adventures. 'Blackwatch' was a real page-turner and compulsive reading. Make sure you clear your schedule before you pick it up because once you've started, you won't want to stop.
July 17, 2011
A quick warning – I do attempt to keep spoilers from previous books from raising their ugly head in my reviews but from time to time things accidentally slip through the net or are needed to explain points.
After reading Wintercraft I had very high expectations for Blackwatch, the world that Jenna created in that first book was staggering with vivid characters that I loved. Blackwatch delivered more of the same.
We rejoin the story about a month after the night of souls with Silas on the run and Kate essentially in captivity. We soon learn that the pair of them are being hunted down by the infamous Blackwatch who seem almost like an army (not quite the right word) who you would not want to get on the wrong side of, they’re loyal and deadly.
Once again I loved Silas, he proved himself to be loyal and caring despite the image of a ruthless hunter that he portrayed in the first book. His commitment to Kate in Blackwatch was unwavering and throughout he shows that underneath everything there is a man who is compassionate despite everything he’s been through. And then we come to Dalliah Grey, a woman I so didn’t want to meet, she seemed to me cruel, uncaring and manipulative. Enough said about her I think!
I can’t finish talking about characters without talking about Kate and Edgar. Edgar shows himself to be a true friend who would put his life in danger if he thought it would save Kate, he’s loyal, determined and level headed. Without him I’m not sure how Kate would have survived.
The dual narrative continues apace in this book giving us the views from Silas and Kate as well as from time to time from his special crow and it makes sense considering the pairs journey’s – although separate and different ultimately have an effect on each other.
My single criticism would be that (and this is more of a reflection on how long ago I read Wintercraft than anything else) at least to begin with I struggled to remember some parts of the original story and relationships between characters and it took me a couple of chapters to get everything straight in my head. As I say though after a couple of chapters my memory had been jogged and I was back up to speed.
By its very nature Blackwatch is a darker tale than its predecessor – how could it not be when it looks more closely at the veil. It’s a story where strong characters are embedded in a beautifully created world and it leaves us with a fab ending hinting that there is still more to come with Silas & Kate :D
Source: Headline
After reading Wintercraft I had very high expectations for Blackwatch, the world that Jenna created in that first book was staggering with vivid characters that I loved. Blackwatch delivered more of the same.
We rejoin the story about a month after the night of souls with Silas on the run and Kate essentially in captivity. We soon learn that the pair of them are being hunted down by the infamous Blackwatch who seem almost like an army (not quite the right word) who you would not want to get on the wrong side of, they’re loyal and deadly.
Once again I loved Silas, he proved himself to be loyal and caring despite the image of a ruthless hunter that he portrayed in the first book. His commitment to Kate in Blackwatch was unwavering and throughout he shows that underneath everything there is a man who is compassionate despite everything he’s been through. And then we come to Dalliah Grey, a woman I so didn’t want to meet, she seemed to me cruel, uncaring and manipulative. Enough said about her I think!
I can’t finish talking about characters without talking about Kate and Edgar. Edgar shows himself to be a true friend who would put his life in danger if he thought it would save Kate, he’s loyal, determined and level headed. Without him I’m not sure how Kate would have survived.
The dual narrative continues apace in this book giving us the views from Silas and Kate as well as from time to time from his special crow and it makes sense considering the pairs journey’s – although separate and different ultimately have an effect on each other.
My single criticism would be that (and this is more of a reflection on how long ago I read Wintercraft than anything else) at least to begin with I struggled to remember some parts of the original story and relationships between characters and it took me a couple of chapters to get everything straight in my head. As I say though after a couple of chapters my memory had been jogged and I was back up to speed.
By its very nature Blackwatch is a darker tale than its predecessor – how could it not be when it looks more closely at the veil. It’s a story where strong characters are embedded in a beautifully created world and it leaves us with a fab ending hinting that there is still more to come with Silas & Kate :D
Source: Headline
June 19, 2012
A dark, desperate and compelling read. Situations get increasingly more tight and hope becomes all but a memory. Yet the characters are divine and will keep you turning pages long into the night. A great addition to a riveting tale.
Edgar is a perfect light pivot for this book. Everything is full of despair yet he stands stalwart amidst the onslaught. He almost doesn't grasp the danger or perhaps he has very little fear. Since he can't stop it he just keeps moving forward instead of being overcome. Right at the end there is this stellar comment made by Edgar about all the things he has endured that sums up his attitude perfectly. He thinks clearly and even humorously into perilous times.
Silas is the best semi-villain ever. He is always ready to remind you why he deserves the title of villain yet will surprise and delight you with his ability to be genuine. A good portion of this book is done in Silas' perspective which was a treat of enlightenment into his thoughts. In the first book I thought he was a truly chilling villain but now I have met something far worse. This new villain has thought of every angle and can counter everything. There is no escape only submission.
The ending of the book leaves very little to hope for. If you thought the characters were in a bad spot at the end of the last book you will see how mistaken you were. For those with a weak constitution you might want to consider waiting until the release of the third book before plunging in.
Content:
Violence: Moderate
Edgar is a perfect light pivot for this book. Everything is full of despair yet he stands stalwart amidst the onslaught. He almost doesn't grasp the danger or perhaps he has very little fear. Since he can't stop it he just keeps moving forward instead of being overcome. Right at the end there is this stellar comment made by Edgar about all the things he has endured that sums up his attitude perfectly. He thinks clearly and even humorously into perilous times.
Silas is the best semi-villain ever. He is always ready to remind you why he deserves the title of villain yet will surprise and delight you with his ability to be genuine. A good portion of this book is done in Silas' perspective which was a treat of enlightenment into his thoughts. In the first book I thought he was a truly chilling villain but now I have met something far worse. This new villain has thought of every angle and can counter everything. There is no escape only submission.
The ending of the book leaves very little to hope for. If you thought the characters were in a bad spot at the end of the last book you will see how mistaken you were. For those with a weak constitution you might want to consider waiting until the release of the third book before plunging in.
Content:
Violence: Moderate
July 24, 2012
In the second book of Jenna Burtenshaw's trilogy, Wintercraft, we start off from where Shadowcry, (or Wintercraft as it's named in the British version) left off. Silas is on the run now, fleeing Albion and headed for the Continent. These two countries have been at war,and Silas tries to escape from being hunted by the wardens and the High Council. Unfortunately for him, he falls afoul to the Blackwatch, a group of elites who work for the Continent and ends of up meeting a dangerous enemy, Dalliah Gray.
Things aren't looking good for Kate or Edger, either. After being imprisoned by the Skilled, who thought she was guilty and dangerous, as well as being betrayed by her uncle, Kate and Edger escape,learning that the Skilled had never intended her to live. While fleeing the Skilled they also have to avoid the Blackwatch, who are also hunting for Kate.
I enjoyed this book very much as we learned more about Kate's family history and information as to why the veil is disintegrating. Through her visions and information from Dalliah, the reader learns that caused the veil to first start failing centuries ago. I don't want to spoil the book, but the ending is a huge cliffhanger. The book was very difficult to put down and was one of those that made we want to read it in a single sitting. Readers will enjoy the second installment of this trilogy!
Things aren't looking good for Kate or Edger, either. After being imprisoned by the Skilled, who thought she was guilty and dangerous, as well as being betrayed by her uncle, Kate and Edger escape,learning that the Skilled had never intended her to live. While fleeing the Skilled they also have to avoid the Blackwatch, who are also hunting for Kate.
I enjoyed this book very much as we learned more about Kate's family history and information as to why the veil is disintegrating. Through her visions and information from Dalliah, the reader learns that caused the veil to first start failing centuries ago. I don't want to spoil the book, but the ending is a huge cliffhanger. The book was very difficult to put down and was one of those that made we want to read it in a single sitting. Readers will enjoy the second installment of this trilogy!
May 13, 2012
*FLIPS A FREAKING TABLE*
*ties Dalliah to several large boulders and tosses them--with her--into the ocean*
*shoves Silas towards Kate*
These are my thoughts summarized; full review to follow.
*ties Dalliah to several large boulders and tosses them--with her--into the ocean*
*shoves Silas towards Kate*
These are my thoughts summarized; full review to follow.
July 20, 2012
Enjoyable, but it didn't impressed me as much as Shadowcry did. I guess after Shadowcry I was expecting too much.
September 11, 2013
What's next???
September 23, 2020
Still just an okay book, but leagues better above its predecessor. It's far easier to get in the story and just start reading. It still has flaws, and it's not a "great" book, but I liked it better!
The pacing improves dramatically, something I believe lies with the split points of view the story adopts, and with the back and forth between said points of view. A good choice from the author. Unfortunately, on the wider whole, the pacing does suffer. Mainly because I feel this story was unnecessarily stretched into a trilogy. Blackwatch ends at the midpoint of the classic three acts story structure. Unless the last book just directly picks up from there, the overall pacing of the story will suffer a lot. The cliffhanger isn't too bad, but it's definitely an incomplete story. There are only a few resolutions.
Kate, the protagonist has much more agency in this book. It's a funny thing, because she spend just slightly less time captured or imprisoned than in the first book. Yet she makes plans, executes them, and manages to keep ahead of her pursuers for a time. We get a sense that she is doing whatever she can and that there is hope for her. Her story feels much less railroaded (ah, train jokes in this series) which is another funny thing considering the hints of fate and destiny that the story starts throwing at us.
You know another thing the story throws at us? Silas. His character is less irritating, mainly because he's no longer pressuring Kate. He's not a good person, but at least he feels like a person. Even if said change happened somewhen in between books and is probably fueled by blood magic shenanigans instead of an actual connection between people... but I'll take what I can. Somehow, miraculously, he manages to actually get a positive character arc! It just happens in the last chapter of the book. It's a good character arc, somehow not reading rushed in the 5 pages that it occupies.
Not good is how he is suddenly patriotic. A lot of character tensions in this book between Silas and C.B. are because of war tensions. You know, the war we still know barely anything at all. More over, we readers have no emotional connection to this war. The few effects we are shown of it in the first book can all be blamed on the High Council, not the continent, so we have no reason to understand why certain characters hate each other or want to see their homelands win. The worldbuilding outside of the Veil is very... sparse. The magic was well introduced and expanded, and the author's ability to craft places and people under Fume is lovely, but the wider world is a big blank of question marks. (we also don't get continental perspectives, so...)
The titular protagonists are welcome in their competency. They feel dangerous, despite being as blank-faced as generic stormtroopers. Their commander is better, but he suffers as a character from the aforementioned problem of tensions just... existing. Their competence however, seems to fail at plot-related moments, and only plot-related moments, which isn't great. The other, secret antagonist D.G. is far more interesting. She also showcases competence and lack of competence in a very good way. She has plans, she has been working on them for who knows how long and she improvises well when she fails to account for little things. Never are her failures framed by the plot. We can believe it's in her character to just misjudge some things. Definitely a better antagonist.
Finally, the lack of a romance subplot is oh so ever appreciated. It wasn't needed so it didn't appear and everything was better for it.
A very honorable mention to Edgar, the best character in this book. He is a good boy trying his best.
The pacing improves dramatically, something I believe lies with the split points of view the story adopts, and with the back and forth between said points of view. A good choice from the author. Unfortunately, on the wider whole, the pacing does suffer. Mainly because I feel this story was unnecessarily stretched into a trilogy. Blackwatch ends at the midpoint of the classic three acts story structure. Unless the last book just directly picks up from there, the overall pacing of the story will suffer a lot. The cliffhanger isn't too bad, but it's definitely an incomplete story. There are only a few resolutions.
Kate, the protagonist has much more agency in this book. It's a funny thing, because she spend just slightly less time captured or imprisoned than in the first book. Yet she makes plans, executes them, and manages to keep ahead of her pursuers for a time. We get a sense that she is doing whatever she can and that there is hope for her. Her story feels much less railroaded (ah, train jokes in this series) which is another funny thing considering the hints of fate and destiny that the story starts throwing at us.
You know another thing the story throws at us? Silas. His character is less irritating, mainly because he's no longer pressuring Kate. He's not a good person, but at least he feels like a person. Even if said change happened somewhen in between books and is probably fueled by blood magic shenanigans instead of an actual connection between people... but I'll take what I can. Somehow, miraculously, he manages to actually get a positive character arc! It just happens in the last chapter of the book. It's a good character arc, somehow not reading rushed in the 5 pages that it occupies.
Not good is how he is suddenly patriotic. A lot of character tensions in this book between Silas and C.B. are because of war tensions. You know, the war we still know barely anything at all. More over, we readers have no emotional connection to this war. The few effects we are shown of it in the first book can all be blamed on the High Council, not the continent, so we have no reason to understand why certain characters hate each other or want to see their homelands win. The worldbuilding outside of the Veil is very... sparse. The magic was well introduced and expanded, and the author's ability to craft places and people under Fume is lovely, but the wider world is a big blank of question marks. (we also don't get continental perspectives, so...)
The titular protagonists are welcome in their competency. They feel dangerous, despite being as blank-faced as generic stormtroopers. Their commander is better, but he suffers as a character from the aforementioned problem of tensions just... existing. Their competence however, seems to fail at plot-related moments, and only plot-related moments, which isn't great. The other, secret antagonist D.G. is far more interesting. She also showcases competence and lack of competence in a very good way. She has plans, she has been working on them for who knows how long and she improvises well when she fails to account for little things. Never are her failures framed by the plot. We can believe it's in her character to just misjudge some things. Definitely a better antagonist.
Finally, the lack of a romance subplot is oh so ever appreciated. It wasn't needed so it didn't appear and everything was better for it.
A very honorable mention to Edgar, the best character in this book. He is a good boy trying his best.
April 24, 2020
Blackwatch picks up where Shadowcry left off, with our protagonists’ stories branching off into two directions, quite literally.
I found this book to be more well written than Shadowcry – I think that Ms. Burtenshaw made significant improvements in her technical work and appreciate that. I also think that it’s interesting that the book basically takes place in three locations: the underground city on Edgar and Kate’s part, and with Silas, we briefly explore the city of Grale and then Dahllia’s home. One thing that worked in the author’s favor is how massive The City Below is, and how many different components it has.
Returning to The City Below was fun because we got to see so much more of it. I was under the impression that this area was small and limited to the Skilled, who used it sort of like a bunker. But there’s so much more to this place: the Shadowmarket, the tombs and abandoned ritual areas, the entire city (an actual city in The City Below, who’d have thunk) of people who have carved their homes into the walls. It was really well done and felt just as lovingly crafted as Albion. Dahllia’s home was also written with much detail, and there were lots of spooky parts that made it feel so sinister, like the effort she’s put into making it basically a replica of Fume and the place where she has built a veil-magnet. There was a lot of creepiness in this book, which was great! I’m glad that the author continued that theme.
Read more of my review here.
I found this book to be more well written than Shadowcry – I think that Ms. Burtenshaw made significant improvements in her technical work and appreciate that. I also think that it’s interesting that the book basically takes place in three locations: the underground city on Edgar and Kate’s part, and with Silas, we briefly explore the city of Grale and then Dahllia’s home. One thing that worked in the author’s favor is how massive The City Below is, and how many different components it has.
Returning to The City Below was fun because we got to see so much more of it. I was under the impression that this area was small and limited to the Skilled, who used it sort of like a bunker. But there’s so much more to this place: the Shadowmarket, the tombs and abandoned ritual areas, the entire city (an actual city in The City Below, who’d have thunk) of people who have carved their homes into the walls. It was really well done and felt just as lovingly crafted as Albion. Dahllia’s home was also written with much detail, and there were lots of spooky parts that made it feel so sinister, like the effort she’s put into making it basically a replica of Fume and the place where she has built a veil-magnet. There was a lot of creepiness in this book, which was great! I’m glad that the author continued that theme.
Read more of my review here.
June 18, 2017
Initial rating: 4 stars
Second read as of 15-5-17: 2.5 out of 5 stars.
I wouldn't say that this book disappointed me. The first one had its problems, and those problems sort of got carried into this second book. Only this time, the most intriguing element that kept Wintercraft interesting was mostly absent in this one.
Here's what I feel what Wintercraft and Blackwatch still kind of excel at and have maintained in both books thus far. The locations - or at least the ideas and the 'images' of those locations. Wintercraft had the interesting city of Fume, the mysterious Night Train and the enticing concept of the Bone People. Blackwatch had an underground city, houses built into cave walls, a Shadow Market situated in a giant cavern. Descriptions of these places are magical and interesting. Madam Burtenshaw does a good job with writing these ideas because somehow she made me imagine them and I find myself wishing to see and visit these places myself.
Here's what Blackwatch, and to some extent Wintercraft failed to do in both books - have the main characters do anything with these locations. And when I say "do", I mean interact, be part of this environment. Blackwatch was nothing more but characters travelling from one place to another, spend a few moments there without talking or interacting with anything or anyone, and then a few pages later, move on to a different location. This was incredibly prevalent with the scene with the Shadow Market. We only spend a few pages observing this interesting area and then suddenly, the protagonists have to leave because the people who are chasing them have tracked them down so quickly. And the worst thing is - neither Kate or Edgar had any reason to go to the Shadow Market. They weren't going to go there to find someone to help them escape. They just happen to find the place by chance. (Seriously, I thought your mission was to escape to the surface. Why go deeper underground??)
Kate and Edgar continue to remain shockingly uninteresting and bland as characters. Kate sometimes gets into weird trances and experiences flashbacks that's supposed to unfold events and lets us know more of the mystery of the Bone People. While this happens, Edgar doesn't do anything but waits and... that's it. He just lets things happen. And this process repeats again and again throughout the book. We learn some things but on the whole, I still don't know what the fuck is going on. Kate herself is continues to remain a passive protagonist, letting events push her through the story. Edgar also seems to have caught her passive-character-syndrome. Although he has more of a direction and a drive, he continuously falls into the same pace as Kate. Both of them go through the majority of the book on the run from some people so their bit of the story is mostly being chased... yet I felt no urgency, no tension. I did enjoy some of the locations they stumble into (like the Shadow Market) but they don't do anything at these places that they leave me frustrated.
Now, onto Silas. I did mention in the my review for the previous book that Silas was the saving grace of Wintercraft, well, him and his strange relationship and connection with Kate. It turns out that without Kate around, Silas becomes... a little uninteresting? He is still an enigma and still likeable. I enjoyed his relationship with his Crow... but the thing that kept me hooked in Wintercraft was him and Kate, their interactions together, them together. This was because Silas could act very harsh towards Kate, but on other occasions, he does show capability of caring for her. That's what is intriguing about him. But alas, because they spent the majority of the book apart, this aspect was absent and thus, that interesting element was not there. I still prefered Silas's chapters to Kate and Edgar's though, only because Silas was the more interesting character and the only one who seemed active and had a job to do.
Now, onto the villain. Dalliah. Da'ru of the previous book was a major disappointment. A one-dimensional villain. Dalliah... was kind of the same. In the last third of the book, when Silas and Dalliah meet, Dalliah splurges out this long piece of exposition about the void collapsing and bad things were going to happen and blah. There was so much info/exposition dumping that I felt like this was tacked on and rushed. In the end, something happened to some characters, and then I just... stopped caring. Because, again, I had no idea what the fuck was going on. The end of the book left me kind of exhausted and a little frustrated because I really had no idea what just happened and why it happened. Maybe I'm just stupid and I can't read into things. Maybe I read this too fast. Or maybe I really did just stopped caring. I dunno.
So overall? This book is definitely suffering from Middle Book Crisis. Because why? Because most of the time, the protagonists are being chased repeatedly through different locations or are in the process of searching for something. It obviously feels like this is building up to something. But in the end, some shit happens, we still don't quite understand what just happened and we are left with a cliffhanger (because someone gets kidnapped and some others have to go save them).
The funny thing is I don't actually hate this book... nor do I dislike it. I only wished it could have been more. That Kate and Edgar could have been more. That Silas could be a lot more. That the world of Albion is more too. And it would have been because it does feel like it's reaching that direction but so far, it's just not there yet.
Welp. I did say the whole reason I am rereading these two books was because I wanted to refresh my memory and finally finish this series with the third book. I've been wanting and waiting to read for years. Might as well get this over and done with.
Second read as of 15-5-17: 2.5 out of 5 stars.
I wouldn't say that this book disappointed me. The first one had its problems, and those problems sort of got carried into this second book. Only this time, the most intriguing element that kept Wintercraft interesting was mostly absent in this one.
Here's what I feel what Wintercraft and Blackwatch still kind of excel at and have maintained in both books thus far. The locations - or at least the ideas and the 'images' of those locations. Wintercraft had the interesting city of Fume, the mysterious Night Train and the enticing concept of the Bone People. Blackwatch had an underground city, houses built into cave walls, a Shadow Market situated in a giant cavern. Descriptions of these places are magical and interesting. Madam Burtenshaw does a good job with writing these ideas because somehow she made me imagine them and I find myself wishing to see and visit these places myself.
Here's what Blackwatch, and to some extent Wintercraft failed to do in both books - have the main characters do anything with these locations. And when I say "do", I mean interact, be part of this environment. Blackwatch was nothing more but characters travelling from one place to another, spend a few moments there without talking or interacting with anything or anyone, and then a few pages later, move on to a different location. This was incredibly prevalent with the scene with the Shadow Market. We only spend a few pages observing this interesting area and then suddenly, the protagonists have to leave because the people who are chasing them have tracked them down so quickly. And the worst thing is - neither Kate or Edgar had any reason to go to the Shadow Market. They weren't going to go there to find someone to help them escape. They just happen to find the place by chance. (Seriously, I thought your mission was to escape to the surface. Why go deeper underground??)
Kate and Edgar continue to remain shockingly uninteresting and bland as characters. Kate sometimes gets into weird trances and experiences flashbacks that's supposed to unfold events and lets us know more of the mystery of the Bone People. While this happens, Edgar doesn't do anything but waits and... that's it. He just lets things happen. And this process repeats again and again throughout the book. We learn some things but on the whole, I still don't know what the fuck is going on. Kate herself is continues to remain a passive protagonist, letting events push her through the story. Edgar also seems to have caught her passive-character-syndrome. Although he has more of a direction and a drive, he continuously falls into the same pace as Kate. Both of them go through the majority of the book on the run from some people so their bit of the story is mostly being chased... yet I felt no urgency, no tension. I did enjoy some of the locations they stumble into (like the Shadow Market) but they don't do anything at these places that they leave me frustrated.
Now, onto Silas. I did mention in the my review for the previous book that Silas was the saving grace of Wintercraft, well, him and his strange relationship and connection with Kate. It turns out that without Kate around, Silas becomes... a little uninteresting? He is still an enigma and still likeable. I enjoyed his relationship with his Crow... but the thing that kept me hooked in Wintercraft was him and Kate, their interactions together, them together. This was because Silas could act very harsh towards Kate, but on other occasions, he does show capability of caring for her. That's what is intriguing about him. But alas, because they spent the majority of the book apart, this aspect was absent and thus, that interesting element was not there. I still prefered Silas's chapters to Kate and Edgar's though, only because Silas was the more interesting character and the only one who seemed active and had a job to do.
Now, onto the villain. Dalliah. Da'ru of the previous book was a major disappointment. A one-dimensional villain. Dalliah... was kind of the same. In the last third of the book, when Silas and Dalliah meet, Dalliah splurges out this long piece of exposition about the void collapsing and bad things were going to happen and blah. There was so much info/exposition dumping that I felt like this was tacked on and rushed. In the end, something happened to some characters, and then I just... stopped caring. Because, again, I had no idea what the fuck was going on. The end of the book left me kind of exhausted and a little frustrated because I really had no idea what just happened and why it happened. Maybe I'm just stupid and I can't read into things. Maybe I read this too fast. Or maybe I really did just stopped caring. I dunno.
So overall? This book is definitely suffering from Middle Book Crisis. Because why? Because most of the time, the protagonists are being chased repeatedly through different locations or are in the process of searching for something. It obviously feels like this is building up to something. But in the end, some shit happens, we still don't quite understand what just happened and we are left with a cliffhanger (because someone gets kidnapped and some others have to go save them).
The funny thing is I don't actually hate this book... nor do I dislike it. I only wished it could have been more. That Kate and Edgar could have been more. That Silas could be a lot more. That the world of Albion is more too. And it would have been because it does feel like it's reaching that direction but so far, it's just not there yet.
Welp. I did say the whole reason I am rereading these two books was because I wanted to refresh my memory and finally finish this series with the third book. I've been wanting and waiting to read for years. Might as well get this over and done with.
December 27, 2018
This is the second book in the Wintercraft series. Kate is being held by the Skilled, who fear that her powers put the world in danger. She is also being sought by the Blackwatch, who plan on turning her over to a mysterious woman, Dalliah Grey, who has her own frightening motives to get her hands on Kate. Silas is also on the run, and he has a past with Dalliah and knows something of the horrors that she is capable of enacting. When Kate realizes the what the Skilled are planning, she works with her friend, Edgar, to escape, leaving them to be sought from multiple sides. As the book progresses, we learn more about the history of Kate’s family and the dangers that are coming with the failing of the Veil. The book leaves you in a cliffhanger, so be prepared to have the third book on hand.
June 24, 2018
This series is so incredible aahhh I can’t wait to see how it all ends!!! This book was so gripping and it actually made my heart pound, that’s how intense it was. Absolutely amazing!!
October 4, 2018
This series and this book in particular is so addicting I can’t put it down. I just love reading it over and over and over again!
December 30, 2018
Second book in the Wintercraft trilogy, very good story.
March 12, 2019
I am really enjoying this series, a great take on the afterlife and souls.
And even though there is not a speck of romance in these books, deep down I am hoping for Kate and Silas get together.
And even though there is not a speck of romance in these books, deep down I am hoping for Kate and Silas get together.
February 18, 2020
IT'S GOOD!!!! It's very good. Compelling, driving, and still captures that dusty magic the first book had. I love it. Can't wait to read the next one.
August 28, 2021
Back ground is provided to the first in the series. Not sure who the main character is anymore. Hopefully, that will be determined by the third in the series.
November 11, 2021
I'm still pretty meh on this series, but I like the character of Silas Dane, plus it's a quick read, so I'll finish it out.
May 26, 2011
One thing I loved so much about the first book in this series, was the fact that it was much darker than other YA books and the setting certainly helped that. This time around, Jenna Burtenshaw steps up her game and goes even darker and even more sinister. It all starts with the cover really, which is black and red. Having a cover with such strong colours not only makes it stand out against other books but also makes you want to know more about the book.
Blackwatch is told from the POV of main characters, Kate and Silas, who find themselves in very different situations. Kate has been captured by The Skilled and is imprisoned in the underground with very few options to escape and Silas is on the run after the end of the previous book. I liked how I still got to find out what was happening with each character throughout and was anxiously waiting for the two of them to finally cross paths again. Unlike many books with multiple POV’s, the chapters don’t state which character is telling the story but as their voices are so distinct and strong, it is easy to follow.
Due to Kate’s circumstances at the beginning of the book, I was unsure about where the story was going to, and could, take her. Stuck in an impossible situation, Kate doesn’t really have much of a choice about what is going on and sees no way out of her predicament but obviously, the book would have been quite boring if she had been stuck underground the whole time! Seeing as Kate is not the kind of character to take things lying down, she finds a way out, along with some help, and off she goes on a massive adventure again. The bravery and determination that she showed was admirable and I wish I could have some of that in myself. Also, she isn’t stupid. Kate knows when things aren’t going her way and she knows when to say enough is enough!
Silas is still my favourite character of this series. He’s dark, brooding and very mysterious. He is also cold, uncaring and a bit heartless at times but I think this is an act more than anything else as he is able to show that he really cares during other moments. Over the course of both books so far, I still don’t feel like I know everything I should about him. While this would normally be a bad thing, I loved this about his character and the way that Burtenshaw has written him. Maybe if too much was revealed about him, I wouldn’t have a such strong attraction to him. Maybe the mystery would disappear and I would end up disappointed and I don’t want that to happen.
Blackwatch is a very quick paced book and at just under 300 pages long, it needed to be. There is always so much happening and it was hard to catch my breath while reading. There aren’t too many slower parts in this book but that just added to the excitement and intensity of the story. The story isn’t all about the excitement though. Burtenshaw builds a completely fascinating world full of things I have never seen in a book before. The ideas of The Skilled, the veil and other things are truly original and I couldn’t seem to get enough of learning more about them all. I can see that the third (and final) book in this series is going to just as amazing as the other two and the world created is full of amazing possibilities.
Blackwatch is a great second book from Jenna Burtenshaw and I can’t wait for her next book! Highly recommended.
Blackwatch is told from the POV of main characters, Kate and Silas, who find themselves in very different situations. Kate has been captured by The Skilled and is imprisoned in the underground with very few options to escape and Silas is on the run after the end of the previous book. I liked how I still got to find out what was happening with each character throughout and was anxiously waiting for the two of them to finally cross paths again. Unlike many books with multiple POV’s, the chapters don’t state which character is telling the story but as their voices are so distinct and strong, it is easy to follow.
Due to Kate’s circumstances at the beginning of the book, I was unsure about where the story was going to, and could, take her. Stuck in an impossible situation, Kate doesn’t really have much of a choice about what is going on and sees no way out of her predicament but obviously, the book would have been quite boring if she had been stuck underground the whole time! Seeing as Kate is not the kind of character to take things lying down, she finds a way out, along with some help, and off she goes on a massive adventure again. The bravery and determination that she showed was admirable and I wish I could have some of that in myself. Also, she isn’t stupid. Kate knows when things aren’t going her way and she knows when to say enough is enough!
Silas is still my favourite character of this series. He’s dark, brooding and very mysterious. He is also cold, uncaring and a bit heartless at times but I think this is an act more than anything else as he is able to show that he really cares during other moments. Over the course of both books so far, I still don’t feel like I know everything I should about him. While this would normally be a bad thing, I loved this about his character and the way that Burtenshaw has written him. Maybe if too much was revealed about him, I wouldn’t have a such strong attraction to him. Maybe the mystery would disappear and I would end up disappointed and I don’t want that to happen.
Blackwatch is a very quick paced book and at just under 300 pages long, it needed to be. There is always so much happening and it was hard to catch my breath while reading. There aren’t too many slower parts in this book but that just added to the excitement and intensity of the story. The story isn’t all about the excitement though. Burtenshaw builds a completely fascinating world full of things I have never seen in a book before. The ideas of The Skilled, the veil and other things are truly original and I couldn’t seem to get enough of learning more about them all. I can see that the third (and final) book in this series is going to just as amazing as the other two and the world created is full of amazing possibilities.
Blackwatch is a great second book from Jenna Burtenshaw and I can’t wait for her next book! Highly recommended.
May 6, 2018
Blackwatch is not quite as good as Shadowcry, but it's still an awesome read, and I intend to read the third book. Let's break it down.
The Plot: Basically, throughout the first and second part of the book, Kate and Edgar are trying to avoid being captured, and that's pretty much all that happens with them. As for Silas -- my most beloved character, the one I adore beyond words, and the one who keeps surprising me with his bad-assness (if that's a word) and coolness -- he's pretty much left the country as a traitor and made his way to the Continent. Where he gets captured by the Blackwatch, and then a bunch of awesome stuff happens.
The Writing: It's better than the first book, and much, much more cleaned up. Whereas the first book had a ton of choppy sentences and description-overload, this one was much better, although it still had a couple bad moments. I also noticed a few times the grammar mistake of 'passed' and 'past' happening, nothing major, but it's definitely something that should be addressed. The writing style improved as well, which, overall, gave the book a more professional feeling and made the book more enjoyable.
The Characters:
*
Kate: I didn't really connect with her at all in Blackwatch. Throughout the entire book I felt that she was just there for the plot and to make the things that happened make sense. Not much of a big deal because I really liked the rest of the characters.
Edgar: I really enjoyed his sense of humor and how much he cared for Kate. He was very protective of her, but I never got annoyed with it like I do with so many other books that have a male character defending the female character. And I never felt like, just because he was male, he was in charge of them trying to evade capture. I felt that they both took turns leading each other, which ended up being perfect.
Silas: <3 <3 <3 I freaking love Silas. He's very dark and powerful, and I love his interactions with other people. From the very beginning he had a sinister feeling about him, and I just loved it. But he's actually a very good and honorable man, which I think only increases my fondness of him. I really don't know how to describe just how much I fell for him. How about this; Sometimes, I'll being reading one of his chapters, and he'll say something and it will literally give me chills... enough said.
Dalliah Grey: I have nothing bad to say about her. She's pretty cool, and I'm enjoying the fact that there is an awesome female villain instead of a male one, which you see in pretty much every book like this one. Dalliah is very manipulative and somehow always manages to keep her master plan on the right path and in control. She has allies in all the right places and has everything planned out. She's the perfect bad-guy.
*
End Notes: Truly a great book, I definitely recommend it to anyone that enjoyed the first. Also,
The Plot: Basically, throughout the first and second part of the book, Kate and Edgar are trying to avoid being captured, and that's pretty much all that happens with them. As for Silas -- my most beloved character, the one I adore beyond words, and the one who keeps surprising me with his bad-assness (if that's a word) and coolness -- he's pretty much left the country as a traitor and made his way to the Continent. Where he gets captured by the Blackwatch, and then a bunch of awesome stuff happens.
The Writing: It's better than the first book, and much, much more cleaned up. Whereas the first book had a ton of choppy sentences and description-overload, this one was much better, although it still had a couple bad moments. I also noticed a few times the grammar mistake of 'passed' and 'past' happening, nothing major, but it's definitely something that should be addressed. The writing style improved as well, which, overall, gave the book a more professional feeling and made the book more enjoyable.
The Characters:
*
Kate: I didn't really connect with her at all in Blackwatch. Throughout the entire book I felt that she was just there for the plot and to make the things that happened make sense. Not much of a big deal because I really liked the rest of the characters.
Edgar: I really enjoyed his sense of humor and how much he cared for Kate. He was very protective of her, but I never got annoyed with it like I do with so many other books that have a male character defending the female character. And I never felt like, just because he was male, he was in charge of them trying to evade capture. I felt that they both took turns leading each other, which ended up being perfect.
Silas: <3 <3 <3 I freaking love Silas. He's very dark and powerful, and I love his interactions with other people. From the very beginning he had a sinister feeling about him, and I just loved it. But he's actually a very good and honorable man, which I think only increases my fondness of him. I really don't know how to describe just how much I fell for him. How about this; Sometimes, I'll being reading one of his chapters, and he'll say something and it will literally give me chills... enough said.
Dalliah Grey: I have nothing bad to say about her. She's pretty cool, and I'm enjoying the fact that there is an awesome female villain instead of a male one, which you see in pretty much every book like this one. Dalliah is very manipulative and somehow always manages to keep her master plan on the right path and in control. She has allies in all the right places and has everything planned out. She's the perfect bad-guy.
*
End Notes: Truly a great book, I definitely recommend it to anyone that enjoyed the first. Also,
March 21, 2021
Albion's Skilled community have long feared the dark practices detailed in the book of Wintercraft. Only one girl is powerful enough to manipulate its secrets and now the book is in her possession
Kate Winters is on trial, falsely accused of murdering the Skilled leader. Shunned by her own kind, Kate can see no escape and worse, a sinister threat is arraying outside the underground caverns where she's being kept: the Continent's elite assassins known only as Blackwatch.
Silas Dane is also hunted by Blackwatch. In the war against Albion, the Continent is keen to explore Kate's power and they know that Kate and Silas are inextricably linked....
Time is running out. Can Kate and Silas halt the dark forces at work or will the web of deceit surrounding Wintercraft ensure them?
Kate has escaped the clutches of the High Council and Silas has left Albion for the continent. But their lives are forever linked and as the veil weakens, causing Albion's skilled to fear for everyone's safety, Silas and Kate find themselves drawn together by the mysterious and corrupt Dalliah Grey.
After two months of searching I managed to get a copy of Blackwatch thanks to Jenna :D. But Blackwatch was well worth the wait.
Even though Wintercraft didn't end on a huge cliffhanger I still had to grab myself a copy of Blackwatch and I am so glad I managed to get it.
I loved how Silas and Kate aren't really together at the start, but end up together, but then get torn apart.
The book starts with a chapter about Silas and then Kate and is like this most the way through the book until Kate and Silas are together again.
Kate and Silas are both on the run from the Skilled of Albion because of what happened on the Night of Souls in Wintercraft.
Kate is on the run with Edgar after the High Council find her guilty of murder of their leader.
Edgar helps to keep Kate Grounded when she enters the veil which's pull is stronger than ever before.
Silas is on the run and flees across the sea to the Continent. Silas goes to the Continent in search of Dalliah Gray for help, but she has other plans for him. Silas lands right into the hands of the Blackwatch who are working for Dalliah.
I found myself beginning to like Silas and hating everything that he was put through. Which is completely different to how I felt about him in Wintercraft. Silas continues to develop into a great character. In Wintercraft he was a bad guy but he comes much more than that, and learn that deep down he's a nice guy. I hope Jenna doesn't make Silas become a bad guy again in book three.
We get to read much more about Edgar in Blackwatch and he is just as brave as Silas, and it is made aware that he is very important to Kate. Even Silas cared for Edgar towards the end.
Jenna ended Blackwatch with a massive cliff hanger and I am eagerly awaiting book three.
I have no idea if Jenna has a happy or sad future for Kate, Silas and Edgar in the last book, but for the moment at least a happy future not found :(.
Kate Winters is on trial, falsely accused of murdering the Skilled leader. Shunned by her own kind, Kate can see no escape and worse, a sinister threat is arraying outside the underground caverns where she's being kept: the Continent's elite assassins known only as Blackwatch.
Silas Dane is also hunted by Blackwatch. In the war against Albion, the Continent is keen to explore Kate's power and they know that Kate and Silas are inextricably linked....
Time is running out. Can Kate and Silas halt the dark forces at work or will the web of deceit surrounding Wintercraft ensure them?
Kate has escaped the clutches of the High Council and Silas has left Albion for the continent. But their lives are forever linked and as the veil weakens, causing Albion's skilled to fear for everyone's safety, Silas and Kate find themselves drawn together by the mysterious and corrupt Dalliah Grey.
After two months of searching I managed to get a copy of Blackwatch thanks to Jenna :D. But Blackwatch was well worth the wait.
Even though Wintercraft didn't end on a huge cliffhanger I still had to grab myself a copy of Blackwatch and I am so glad I managed to get it.
I loved how Silas and Kate aren't really together at the start, but end up together, but then get torn apart.
The book starts with a chapter about Silas and then Kate and is like this most the way through the book until Kate and Silas are together again.
Kate and Silas are both on the run from the Skilled of Albion because of what happened on the Night of Souls in Wintercraft.
Kate is on the run with Edgar after the High Council find her guilty of murder of their leader.
Edgar helps to keep Kate Grounded when she enters the veil which's pull is stronger than ever before.
Silas is on the run and flees across the sea to the Continent. Silas goes to the Continent in search of Dalliah Gray for help, but she has other plans for him. Silas lands right into the hands of the Blackwatch who are working for Dalliah.
I found myself beginning to like Silas and hating everything that he was put through. Which is completely different to how I felt about him in Wintercraft. Silas continues to develop into a great character. In Wintercraft he was a bad guy but he comes much more than that, and learn that deep down he's a nice guy. I hope Jenna doesn't make Silas become a bad guy again in book three.
We get to read much more about Edgar in Blackwatch and he is just as brave as Silas, and it is made aware that he is very important to Kate. Even Silas cared for Edgar towards the end.
Jenna ended Blackwatch with a massive cliff hanger and I am eagerly awaiting book three.
I have no idea if Jenna has a happy or sad future for Kate, Silas and Edgar in the last book, but for the moment at least a happy future not found :(.
November 23, 2016
Originally reviewed here.
Blackwatch begins with Kate on trial because she has been falsely accused of murdering one of the leaders of the Skilled. Kate learns who she truly can and cannot trust while on trial and she is disheartened to find that those she believed loyal to her, those she risked her life for, are really not as loyal to her as she believed. Kate and Edgar escape from the Skilled into the underground caverns only to be caught by the Blackwatch, the Continent’s most elite warriors. Across the sea, Silas is also being hunted by Blackwatch and it is through Silas and Kate’s blood tie that they are both captured and forced to try both Silas’s patience and Kate’s power.
This story delves deeper into the tie between Silas and Kate and the powers that Kate has inherited as one of the Skilled. One of the reasons I adored Shadowcry was because of how dark it was as a young adult novel, and Blackwatch was no different. Jenna Burtenshaw delves deeper into what the veil represents and how it affects both Kate and Silas as well as how Edgar’s role as Kate’s only confidant will affect her power over the veil. The novel also provides the reader with glimpses into past which assists the reader in understanding both how Wintercraft came to be and how easily one can be consumed by darkness.
A new character, Dalliah Grey was introduced in this novel and she was a nice addition after the absence of Da’ru, though it is still a little unclear if her motives are going to be detrimental to Kate or not. It is no question that she does not have Kate’s best interests at heart and only wants to use her to accomplish her own (less than godly) goals. The shift in POV between Kate and Silas also offers a nice addition so the reader is able to glimpse some of Silas’s inner turmoil as he starts to gain a conscience. That being said, the last few pages of the novel were probably my favorite as they really gave the reader a more solid view on the man that Silas is growing into, no word yet on the romance but one can only hope (okay, pine for.)
Like in Shadowcry, Jenna Burtenshaw uses impeccable descriptions to describe the world Silas and Kate travel through. As I was reading about the caverns underground and the city housed in them I was amazed at how vivid they were in my mind. The climax of the novel was also brilliant in my mind and I found myself feeling a range of emotions as Kate struggled with the situation she was thrown into. I am thrilled to say that my copy of the conclusion to this trilogy, Wintercraft: Legacy, just arrived yesterday and I can’t wait to find out the extent of Kate’s power and Silas’s strength.
This series comes highly recommended!
Blackwatch begins with Kate on trial because she has been falsely accused of murdering one of the leaders of the Skilled. Kate learns who she truly can and cannot trust while on trial and she is disheartened to find that those she believed loyal to her, those she risked her life for, are really not as loyal to her as she believed. Kate and Edgar escape from the Skilled into the underground caverns only to be caught by the Blackwatch, the Continent’s most elite warriors. Across the sea, Silas is also being hunted by Blackwatch and it is through Silas and Kate’s blood tie that they are both captured and forced to try both Silas’s patience and Kate’s power.
This story delves deeper into the tie between Silas and Kate and the powers that Kate has inherited as one of the Skilled. One of the reasons I adored Shadowcry was because of how dark it was as a young adult novel, and Blackwatch was no different. Jenna Burtenshaw delves deeper into what the veil represents and how it affects both Kate and Silas as well as how Edgar’s role as Kate’s only confidant will affect her power over the veil. The novel also provides the reader with glimpses into past which assists the reader in understanding both how Wintercraft came to be and how easily one can be consumed by darkness.
A new character, Dalliah Grey was introduced in this novel and she was a nice addition after the absence of Da’ru, though it is still a little unclear if her motives are going to be detrimental to Kate or not. It is no question that she does not have Kate’s best interests at heart and only wants to use her to accomplish her own (less than godly) goals. The shift in POV between Kate and Silas also offers a nice addition so the reader is able to glimpse some of Silas’s inner turmoil as he starts to gain a conscience. That being said, the last few pages of the novel were probably my favorite as they really gave the reader a more solid view on the man that Silas is growing into, no word yet on the romance but one can only hope (okay, pine for.)
Like in Shadowcry, Jenna Burtenshaw uses impeccable descriptions to describe the world Silas and Kate travel through. As I was reading about the caverns underground and the city housed in them I was amazed at how vivid they were in my mind. The climax of the novel was also brilliant in my mind and I found myself feeling a range of emotions as Kate struggled with the situation she was thrown into. I am thrilled to say that my copy of the conclusion to this trilogy, Wintercraft: Legacy, just arrived yesterday and I can’t wait to find out the extent of Kate’s power and Silas’s strength.
This series comes highly recommended!
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